Toy top



March 17, 1953 N. K. MASTEN 2,631,405

TOY TOP Filed Feb. 2, 194a 20 2L 6 F/ J l9 fiyfl \y HT INVENTOR. m M 49/30 A. 17457? BY I /0 39 M w M 17 T TOR/Vi Y3 Patented Mar. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE roy TOP N'eilson K. Masten, Seattle, Wash. Application February z, 1948,. Serial No. 5,792

4 Claims.

- I v 1 This invention relates ticularly this invention relates to a toy top that :spins on a fulcrum disposed at right angles to its longitudinal axis rather than spinning on its longitudinal axis as is conventional.

An object of the present invention is to provide a top which spins on a rotatable disc-like member or, in, other wordaon a movable axis and at the same time at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the top. y i More particularly it is an object of the present invention to provide a disc-like member with shaft means extending in opposite directions from said disc-like member so that during spinning' the shafts will rotate about the disc as a center and at the same time the disc will angularly move.

It is another object of my invention to provide color efiects on the surface of the top so that during spinning the color effects on opposite sides of the disc-like center will complement each other to provide desired color effects.

It is a further object of my invention to provide color effects on difierent portions of the top of my invention so that color changes. result during spinning to provide a myriad of color effects.

It is another object of my invention to provide a top of the character described wherein the mass at one end portion if unlike that at the other to augment the tendency of the top to rotate about its longitudinal axis as it is being spun on an axis at right angles to its longitudinalaxis.

is another object of my invention to pro- ,vide a disc like member with shafts extending at right angles thereto and at opposite side'sthere- .of wherein the shafts provide a moment of inirtia, when the top is spinning, to support the top for spinning movement on an axis which is .a diameter of said disc-like member.

Fig. 3 is a planar development view showing fragmentarily the external surface of the device of Fig. 1 and to illustrate one form of color design which may be employed; 7 7

Fig. 4 is a view "similar to Fig. 3 showing another color design which may be employed;

to a. toy top. More par- Fig. 5 is a view in elevation of a modified form of my invention having an alternate sectional view and an alternate form of supporting disc;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on broken line 6-6 of Fig. 5 ;v

Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig. 5 of a further modified form of my invention having. an alternate sectional view and an alternate. form. of supporting disc;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on broken line 8-8 of Fig. 7; r

Fig. 9 is. a sectional view taken substantially on broken line 9-9 of '7;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a. further modified form of my invention; and

Fig.11 is a fragmentary viewindicating a preferred form of top supporting edge employed in the preceding figures.

In the drawings a disc-like portion. ['2 has shaft portions l3 and 14 extending in opposite directions therefrom. 'The shaft portions [3 and. 14 are each longer than the diameter of band '16 and provide a moment of inertia, when the top is spinning, to support the top on an axis which is a diameter of the band IS. The longitudinal axis of my top is indicated by the dot and dash Iine numbered 15. The top during spinning spins at right angles to said longitudinal axis I5 and about an axis in the plane passing through the band It of thedisc-like portion 12. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. "1, the. shaft portions l3 and H may be a circle in section as is indicated by Fig. 2. Also, said shaft portions [3 and l 4 may have. other shapes in section, some of which are hereinafter illustrated and described.

The shaft portions I 3 and I4. preferably have different masses to augment the top to rotate about an axis in the plane of band Hi. In spinning the top, the top spins about an axis in the plane of band [6. At the same time, the end portions of the shafts l3 and i4 have different masses or moments of inertia as respects the axis about which the top is spinning which augments the tendency of the top to rotate about its longitudihal axis l5 to thus present different axes on which the top spins. This difierence in mass of the shafts l3 and I4 may be provided by having the shafts l3 and I 4 of different lengths away from the plane of band l6. Also, this difference in mass may be accomplished by providing the portions l3 and H of the same length and by employing weights I1 and I8 which are unalike. During rotation of the top about an axis lying in the plane of band I6,,a diiference in mass. oi! the shaft portions l3 and M tends to cause the top to revolve about a given point or walk and thus turn about its longitudinal axis I5. Preferably the difference in mass between the shaft portions I3 and I4 is accomplished by adding weights disposed toward the ends portions as is indicated by weights I1 and I8 having either unequal weights or unequal distances from the plane of band I6. However, the difference in mass can be accomplished anywhere throughout the lengths of the portions I3 and I4, either locally or over the full distance thereof, but I have found that better results obtain by localizing the weights as has been above indicated.

If desired a whistling sound may be obtained by providing intake ports I9 and exhaust ports 20 at the end portions of the shafts I3 and I4 and with any suitable orifices therebetween so that a whistling sound results from air passing through intake ports I9 and out through exhaust ports 20. Preferably the intake ports I9 on the shafts I3 and I4 are diametrically opposed to provide for a continuous whistling sound. Thus as the top rotates during spinning about its longitudinal axis I5, one of the intake ports I9 will always be in a position so that air will pass therethrough and out an exhaust port 28.

The action of my top during spinning may be described by stating that the top spins about an axis in the plane of band I and 'at the same time the top walks or tends to turn about its longitudinal axis I5 and thus various portions of. the surface of the disc-like portion I2 and "the shafts I3 and I4 are visible when looking down on. the top. The surfaces which are visible when looking down on the top tend to change it will walk up and then down the inclined surfaces.

The "walking action of m top tends to bring out desired color effects during spinning. For

example. in Fi s. 4 and 5 I have illustrated by planar development views t o of the manycolor designs which mav be em loyed. In Figs. 3 and 4 the disc-li e portion I2 is-provided with.v two bands 2| and 22 which may be colored red and blue respectively as indicated bv' the shading symbols employed. In the specific illustration emploved the band 2| extends halfway around and the band 22 extends the other halfway around the disc-like portion I2. On each ofthe shaft portions I3 and I4, a band 23 indicated as blue and a band 24 indicated as yellow may be employed. These bands 23 and 24 are preferablv mated on each of the shaft portions I3 and I4. Again they may extend halfway around each of the shafts I3 and I4. Next, I have indicated a band 25 which is shown as being yellow and which extends entirelyabout each of the shafts I3 and I4. Next, and outwardly from the center defined by the band I6 I have shown "a red band 26 and a blue band 21 each of which extendshalfway aroundeach of the shafts I3 a'nd. l4 Next, there is indicated a. yellowband ,ehafts I3 and I4.

28 which extends entirely around each of the color to show through the spacings.

bands M and 23, a continuous circular color effect obtains and the center will appear red which will be followed by circular bands which will be from the center extending outwardly as follows: A blue band (produced by spinning of band 23), a yellow band (produced by spinning of band 25) a red band (produced'by. spinning of band 26). and a yellow band (produced by spinning of band 28). As the top turns about its longitudinal axis the spinning effect of bands 22, 24, and 21 gradually comes into view and replaces the spinning effect of bands 2I, 23, and 26. When said bands 22, 24 and 21 are directly upward then the color combinations will be from the center outwardly, a blue band (by reason of band 22), a yellow band (by reason of band 24), a yellow band (by reason of band 25), a blue band (by reason of band 21), and a yellowband (by reason of band 28). By having the bands 23, 24, 26, and 21 paired on each side of the center which passes through ring IS, the colors tend to complement each other in the color effects obtained. Also, by having bands such as 25 and 28 continuous and paired on each side of the center of rotation of the top, a continuous color band is provided during spinning which tends to contrast with and augment the changing J color effects obtained by employin different colors around the periphery of the shaft portions I3 and I4.

Another illustrative color combination is illustrated in the planar development view of Fig. 4 where angular bands 29 to 33 inclusive are employed and wherein such bands are colored respectively yellow, blue, red, blue, and yellow. During spinning a top having the color design illustrated in Fig. 4, the color efifects which obtain (assuming the top is turning clockwise about its longitudinal axis I5 as viewed from the right in Fig. 3, and at the same time is spinning about an axis in the plane passing in the plane of band I 6) may start with a yellow cent-er (provided by band 29) surrounded by a blue ban-d (provided by band 30). Next, a red band (provided by band 3-I) will start to move inwardly and supplant the outer portions of the blue band (provided by band 30') and also the yellow ban-d (provided by band 29).

'Blue and yellow bands (provided respectively by bands 32 and 33) willin turn move inwardly and supplant the previous bands by a blue band and then by a yellow'ban-d. This action will continue so long as the topspins and at the same time rotates about its longitudinal axis. 4 r By describing the planar development views-in 'iFi gs. 3 and 4, I have illustrated two of many color glued pieces on the top and permitting the base In my top, the same can be made from suitable metals, plastics or woods. Plastics have" an advantage in that theyJnay-be readily-molded .and canbe providedwith a suitable base color in- I cluded in the plastics when molded. In Fig. 2 I have shown-asectionalyiew illustratmg that the $1 3 pojrtionspf ,myjopmayibe circular in section. It is to be understood that I am not limited to any such configuration and the section may be a polygon of any shape, such as the square in Fig. 6 or the triangle shown in Fig. 9. Thus, by way of illustration, in Figs. and 6 I have shown shaft portions 34 which are square in section as indicated in Fig. 6 and shaft portions 35 which are triangular in section as is indicated in Fig. 9.

Also, the band it, defining the axes of rotation of the shaft portions, may take other forms than that illustrated in Fig. 1. For example, I may provide a disc member '36 (Fig. 5) whose edge will have shown in Figs. 'l' and 8 a center sphere-like portion 31 which supports a centrally located band 38 and the top spins about axes lying in the plane of band 38. One advantage of the ball 31 is to provide increased surface area which can be suitably colored to provide desired color effects.

If desired, the fixed weight portions l1 and I8 shown in the previous figures may be supplanted by movable weight means. This is illustrated in Fig. of the drawings wherein the supporting band about which the top spins is indicated by 39. The shaft portions 40 are each provided with a longitudinal recess H in which a ball 42 may travel outwardly by reason of centrifugal force away from the center of rotation defined by the band 39. In this form of my invention I may employ different masses to the balls 42, may provide different lengths of the recesses 4|, or may provide different masses to the shaft portions 40. I have found that some personalities enjoy the feature of the movable weights brought about by reason of the balls 42.

In order to provide for maximum turnin moment of the tops of my invention, preferably the band I6, the outer portions of the disc 35, the outer portions of the band 38, and the outer portions of the 'band 39 terminate in a surface 43, semi-circular in cross section, as is best illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. This curved shape should present a minimum contacting surface to the floor or to the supporting surface on which the top is spun to minimize friction and provide for maximum spinning life. Thus the diameter of the surface 43 should be relatively small. I have found that surfaces other than curved surfaces are useful but a curved surface tends to provide only tangential contact and at the same time provides for minimum frictional resistance to spinning of the top. As different portions of the curved surface 43 are presented to the floor or supporting surface as the top turns about its longitudinal axis l5, preferably the surface 43 should be rather accurately made to pro-- vide for uniform action. As the surface 43 is in effect a bearing surface it should be made of a material such as metal or plastic for uniform results.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions and arrangement of the parts of my invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim:

1. A top comprising a central portion; a circular band rigidly connected with and forming the outside of said central portion and on which said top may be supported while rotating on a supporting surface, the plane of which band includes the axes of rotation of the top, and the periphery of said band, cross-sectionally considered, being a relatively narrow convex arsupport my top for spininng thereabout. Also, I

cuate portion; shaft portions rigidly connected with said central portion and extending in diametrically oppositedirections and at right angles to the plane ofsaid band, the overall length between the outer end portions of said shaft portions being substantially greater than the diameter of said band; and two weight means of unequal mass, as respects the plane of said circular band as a center, one carried byeach or" said shaft portions, whereby upon spinning of the top on one of its axes of rotation, the shaft portions having unequal mass as respects each other will cause the top to turn about said shafts as a center while the said top is rotating about an axis of its said axes.

' 2. I A top comprising a centralpor'tion; a circu- "lar band rigidly connected with and forming the outside of said central portion and on which said top may be supported while rotating on a supporting surface, the plane of which band includes the axes of rotation of the top, and the periphery of said band, cross-sectionally considered, being a relatively narrow convex arcuate portion; shaft portions rigidly connected with said central :portion and extending in diametrically opposite directions and at right angles to the plane of said band, the overall length between the outer end portions of said shaft portions being substantially greater than the diameter of said band; and two weight means of unequal mass, as respects the plane of said circular band as a center, one carried by each of said shaft portions, whereby upon spinning of the top on one of its axes of rotation, the shaft portions having unequal mass as respects each other will cause the top to turn about said shafts as a center while the said top is rotating about an axis of its said axes; and colored media carried by the surfaces of said shaft portions, whereby color effects from different surface portions of said shaft portions appear from a given view point during spinning of the top.

3. A top comprising a central portion; a circular band rigidly connected with and forming the outside of said central portion and on which said top may be supported while rotating on a supporting surface, the plane of which band includes the axes of rotation of the top, and the periphery of said band, cross-seotionally considered, being a relatively narrow convex arcuate portion: shaft portions rigidly connected with said central portion and extending in diametrically opposite directions and at right angles to the plane of said band, the overall length between the outer end portions of said shaft portions being substantially greater than the diameter of said band; and two weight means of unequal mass, as respects the plane of said circular band as a center, one carried by each of said shaft portions, whereby upon spinning of the top on one of its axes of rotation, the shaft portions having unequal mass as respects each other will cause the top to turn about said shafts as a center while th said top is rotating about an axis of its said axes; and complementary colored media carried by the surfaces of said shaft portions, whereby color effects from different surface portions of said shaft portions appear from a given view point during spinning of the top.

4. A top comprising a central portion; a circular band rigidly connected with and forming the outside of said central portion and on which said top may be supported while rotating on a supporting surface, the plane of which band ineludes the axes of rotation of the top, and the periphery of said band, cross-sectionally considered, being a relatively narrow convex arcuate portion; shaft portions rigidly connected with said central portion and extending in diametrically opposite directions and at right angles to the plane of said band, the overall length between the outer end portions of said shaft por tions being substantially greater than the diameter of said band; and two weight means of unequal mass, as respects the plane of said circular band as a center, one carried by each of said shaft portions, said two weight means comprising a recess in each of said shafts and a movable weight in each recess, whereby upon spinning 15 of the top on one of its axes of rotation, the

shaft portions having unequal mass as respects 8 each other will cause the top to turn aboutsaid shafts as a center while the said top is rotating about an axis of its said axes.

NEILSON K. MASTEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Palmieri Jan. 26, 1943 

